By Blythe Lenon
Cheerleading is a sport that requires both trust and friendship with your squad and coach, as you are doing some pretty high-risk activities. Luckily, for the team at Morris High School, their cheer squad of 23 members is a close-knit family.. “Our cheer team works together and are always able to work out any differences and never bring drama to the mat,” said Morris High School Cheer Coach, Lisa Miller. Over the last 4 years of coaching together, both Miller and other head coach, Maggie Guynes, have built a strong relationship with their squad and do get togethers outside of school events to build camaraderie. “We love this squad to pieces. We do a cookout and swim party, as well as a Christmas party every year. We also went to NCA Camp for the first time this summer.”
This squad has something to show for their achievements, both academically and athletically also. “Last year, our team was awarded the OSSAA Academic Achievement award. Recently, a few squad members were nominees for All-American and then this summer at NCA, a few were nominees for All-Region.”
Three of the senior squad members nominated for All-Region were Arricha Guynes, Brooke Hogan and Kaitlyn Woods. All have enjoyed cheering for MHS and attribute much of that to the support they feel from their teammates and other sports teams. “I enjoy being the first to cheer on our sports teams when they are struggling and encouraging them,” Guynes said. “Everyone is one big family on the sports teams here. There is no division and we love being able to support each team we are cheering for,” Hogan said. When talking about why she enjoys cheering so much alongside her team, Woods said, “My coaches and my team are always there for each other and we have each other’s backs.” Hogan added to that, saying, “Our team is always willing to push themselves for the betterment of the squad.” Guynes finished by saying “When I step on the field or on mat with my squad, I have 22 other people that are family to me!”
